Sixteen longtime Nashville and Georgia songwriters will perform their award-winning tunes the weekend of April 26-28 at five downtown Helen venues, a rare opportunity to see those who write many of Music City’s greatest hits. The music plays at five venues for three days: Friday, April 26, 6 – 8 p.m.; Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sunday, April 28, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. (last times noted are when last performers go onstage)
Music has always thrived in Appalachia, and the city of Helen enthusiastically showcases regional-gone-national talent each year in downtown Helen. Due to popular demand, this year the lineup and the venues have expanded: Betty’s Country Store; Cowboys & Angels; Heidelberg; Hofbrauhaus and the Marketplatz Bandshell.
Following are just a few of the Nashville songwriters who will be playing: Mary Kate Farmer, Georgia’s Country Female Artist of the Year; Chancie Neal, World Champion Barrel Racer and author, “Rodeo Money;” and Bobby Tomberlyn, CMA, ACM and Grammy nominee, author of “One More Day.” Artists also include, with their famous performers in parenthesis: Wil Nance (Brad Paisley, John Michael Montgomery); Rafe Von Hoy (Brooks and Dunn, Leeann Rimes); Wood Newton (Kenny Rogers, Oak Ridge Boys, Steve Wariner) and many more. For details, go to https://helenga.org/events/alpine-helen-songwriters-festival/ and click on the three flyer images.
It’s a weekend of entertainment and do-it-yourself itineraries for waterfalls, wineries or in-town fun, with inspiration found on the www.HelenGa.org website.
If You Go
In town lodging options include whimsical Bavarian-themed inns and hotels, along with cabins and flagship chain hotels on the river or overlooking the colorful village. Just outside of town are mountain cabin hideaways and Unicoi State Park and Lodge with cabins and a full range of camping options. View some of the region’s most dramatic waterfalls. Anna Ruby Falls is an easy one-mile walk down a paved trail to see a dramatic, double-cascading fall. Dukes Creek Falls and Ravens Cliff Falls are just short drives away. Visit historic Hardman Farm and Sautee-Nacoochee Village. Family-friendly and upscale dining ranges from pizza to German and other international cuisines. Plenty of outdoor patios and decks by the water show off the scenery. Don’t miss shopping in downtown Alpine Helen. This distinctive Bavarian inspired destination offers 200 unique boutiques, gift shops and more. www.HelenGA.org.
